One of the most difficult aspects of managing employees is dealing with employees who have great potential yet have not stepped up to the plate. Whether they are shy, lack confidence, or lack direction, these issues can be exceedingly difficult to overcome, as they not only detract from your business’s success but also your business’s time and energy.

Taking the time to empower an employee to reach his or her full potential can dramatically increase the success of your company, as they are now taking the initiative to reach goals and offer valuable input.

Here are a few ways to help your employees become empowered.

Assess the Situation

If you notice an employee is underperforming, try to determine what the root cause is. Is it a lack of confidence? A lack of direction? A personal matter that is affecting their performance? Narrowing down the situation can help you diagnose the problem. If it is a personal matter, consider referring them to a company such as ComPsych. ComPsych is an employee assistance program that helps employees handle balancing work with personal issues. If the problem is a lack of direction or confidence, try to instill in them a sense of ownership about their role in the company.

Goals

A great way to empower employees is to provide them with a goal or specific achievement to work towards. Giving them something to strive towards can help bring them out of their shell and motivate them to reach their maximum potential. Moreover, having a specific goal can help them grow confident in their abilities, as they will be spending a great deal of time on the project working towards its finish.

Clarify

Be explicitly clear about your expectations, and make sure everyone is on the same page. This is an important aspect for those who lack confidence in their abilities, as they will most likely be less inclined to speak up and offer input if they feel unsure of what direction the team is going in. Moreover, keeping everyone on the same page will aid in making a cohesive team.

Incentives

One of the best ways to make employees feel empowered is to offer them incentives and rewards for their actions. This is especially important for employees who lack the confidence to speak up and offer ideas, as praise and recognition for their hard work can help them grow more confident in their abilities.

Assist

Offer employees assistance when they need it. While you do not need to hover over employees, letting them know you are interested in their input and available to offer assistance can help them overcome any obstacles that might be hindering their growth. Moreover, if the lines of communication are open between both co-workers and employers, most employees are more inclined to get involved and show initiative.

These ideas can help your employees gain confidence and reach their full potential, making them a strong asset to your company.